Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Trim Puppy Nails: Vet-Approved Step-by-Step Guide

Corgi puppy paws with cute nails

Trimming your puppy’s nails is an essential part of their grooming routine. However, many puppies find this process uncomfortable or frightening. To ensure a positive experience, it’s crucial to gradually introduce your puppy to the tools and sensations associated with nail trimming.

Curious about how to trim your pup’s nails? Here, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide to trimming your puppy’s nails while also incorporating tips to help your furry friend become comfortable with the process. By following these steps and practicing patience, you can ensure that nail trimming becomes a stress-free experience for both you and your puppy!

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Preparation: Getting Your Puppy Comfortable!

To set the stage for successful nail trimming sessions, it is important to gradually introduce your puppy to the nail clippers or grinder. Here’s a 7-day plan to familiarize your puppy with the tools and build their confidence as described by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Since you are trying to create a positive experience with the clippers, remember to provide them with treats and verbal praise every step along the way, take a break if they show any signs of distress!

  • Day 1: Let your puppy explore the nail clipper by letting them sniff the tool.
  • Day 2: After they have explored the clippers on their own, you can now lightly touch the clipper on each paw and treat and reward each time.
  • Day 3: Touching the nail clipper on their paws, start using the clippers without actually cutting their nails yet. Let them hear the sound of the clippers and feel the vibration that it creates!
  • Day 4: Repeat the steps of day 2 and 3 while continuously providing praise and treats. Be sure to monitor your puppy’s response!
  • Day 5: Start to trim the tip of just one nail. Remember to give extra praise and treats!
  • Day 6: From here, you can trim the tip of another two nails, increasing the number of nails each day.
  • Day 7: As you work your way up, trim the other nails until you’ve covered all the nails. Be sure to give treats and praise as you create a positive experience for your puppy for future trimming sessions!

If your puppy is not comfortable or familiar with having their feet touched, you will need to start by desensitization to this part of the procedure and that could take a week before you start on the clipper training.

The Step-by-Step Guide to Trimming Your Puppy’s Nails

Now that your puppy is familiar with the nail clippers or grinder, and has built confidence through the preparatory steps, it is time to proceed with trimming their nails. Follow these steps for a successful and stress-free nail trimming session:

1. Prepare the Necessary Tools

Gather all the essential supplies prior to your nail trimming session and keep them close within reach. You’ll need a pair of pet nail clippers or a nail grinder, which you can find at pet stores.

It is also recommended to keep styptic powder on hand to address any accidental cuts that result in bleeding. Keep your treats nearby as well to give your pup the rewards and praise needed to create a positive experience.

vet holding dog paw ready to trim black nails
Image Credit: Tsuguliev, Shutterstock

2. Familiarize Yourself With Paw Handling

Before starting the actual trimming, gently touch and handle your puppy’s paws regularly. This will help them become accustomed to having their paws touched and reduce anxiety during nail trims.


3. Get Your Puppy Comfortable

Find a quiet and well-lit area where you and your puppy can both relax. Introduce your puppy to the nail clippers or grinder by letting them sniff and inspect the tools. Offer treats and praise to create a positive association.


4. Determine the Appropriate Nail Length

In puppies, it is important to avoid cutting the nails too short as they have a sensitive quick that supplies blood to the nail. Observe your puppy’s nails and identify the quick, which appears as a pink area inside the nail. Trim only the curved, translucent tip, avoiding the quick.

You are free to use this image but we do require you to link back to Dogster.com for credit

5. Start Trimming the Nails

Hold your puppy’s paw gently but firmly, making sure you have a good view of the nail. For nail clippers, position the blades perpendicular to the nail, cutting from underneath to avoid splitting or crushing the nail. For a nail grinder, gently touch the grinder to the tip of the nail while it’s running, gradually removing small amounts of length. Be cautious not to grind too much at once or generate excessive heat.


6. Be Patient and Take Breaks If Needed

Take your time and work slowly, especially if your puppy is showing signs of discomfort or stress. If they become too anxious, take breaks to allow them to relax. Reward your puppy with treats and praise throughout the process, reinforcing positive behavior.


7. Monitor and Maintain Regular Trimming!

After trimming the nails, check for any signs of bleeding. If bleeding occurs, apply styptic powder, or use a styptic pencil to stop it. If you’re uncertain about trimming your puppy’s nails or are uncomfortable doing so, consult a professional groomer or a veterinarian for guidance.

Did you know you can talk to a vet online? Click on the image or button below to schedule a call: PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1


Dogster_Website dividers_v1_Jan 18 2024-03

Promoting Puppy Safety

While nail trimming is an important part in caring for your puppy, the primary concern should always be safety. Nail trimming can be a strange and stressful situation for your pup, and the last thing you want to do is create a negative experience for them by accidentally hurting them. Here are a few things to remember to ensure that your puppy is safe during the nail trimming process:

  • Identify and avoid the quick
  • Use proper, high quality tools
  • Take it slow and follow your puppy’s pace
  • Keep styptic powder on hand
  • Provide verbal praises and treats to create a positive association
  • Regularly monitor and maintain your puppy’s nails
  • Try a licky mat or snuffle mat as a distraction while you clip
  • Seek professional help if needed

By keeping these essential safety tips in mind, you can ensure that your puppy’s nail trimming sessions are safe, comfortable, and stress-free for both you and your furry friend.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Trimming your puppy’s nails can be a simple and stress-free process when approached with patience, gradual introduction, and positive reinforcement. Remember, it’s essential to approach nail trimming with patience and care. By using positive reinforcement and taking things slowly, you can help your puppy become more comfortable with the process over time.

Be sure to always prioritize your puppy’s well-being and consult a professional if needed. With time and practice, you and your puppy will develop a routine that keeps their nails neatly trimmed and their paws happy and healthy!


Featured Image Credit: Olena Kovtun, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

2 Responses

    1. Well done! And the more you do it, the better you get and the more comfortable she will be. She might even look forward to it. 🙂

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Barbet Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts & Traits

If you’re looking for a breed that loves to be near their owners and is bright, friendly, and always up for adventures, look...

Can Dog Food Cause Urinary Incontinence? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Witnessing a dog suffer from urinary incontinence is difficult for a pet owner. Knowing that your pet is dealing with an issue, that...

Are Weimaraners Hypoallergenic? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Nicknamed the “Gray Ghost,” the Weimaraner is a friendly, energetic dog that makes a popular family pet. However, if your family includes one...

Bernese Mountain Dog vs Great Pyrenees: Key Differences (With Pictures)

If you’re looking for a strong, family-friendly, and loyal dog, you’ve probably got your eye on these two beautiful breeds: the Great Pyrenees...

More related

Maltese Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts & Traits

The refined Maltese is famous for their beautiful flowing white coat and good-natured aristocratic charm. This toy-sized fun lover is a family-oriented sweetheart...

15 Creative Dog Easter Basket & Filling Ideas for 2025

The next time Easter rolls around, don’t just assemble an Easter basket for your kids; make one for your favorite dog, too! Our...

9 Best Dog Ramps for Beds in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Many dog owners love to snuggle in bed with their pups, but some dogs can have trouble getting up there on their own....

Whipoodle (Whippet Poodle Mix): Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More

The Whipoodle is a designer dog breed that is fairly new to the scene. It’s not clear whether they were intentionally developed by...

Keep reading

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary If you want to offer your puppy nutritionally dense food that tastes great, Taste of the Wild is worth looking into. Taste of the Wild focuses on quality, affordable dog and cat food with protein sources that mimic...

Dogster_Taste of the Wild Dog Food Review

Why Does My Dog Eat Tissues? 3 Vet Approved Reasons

Every time you turn, your dog is into something different. Maybe last week, they were ripping up the trim on your baseboards, and this week, they’re nose-deep into your Kleenex box. If your dog has recently taken a shine to...

Golden retriever playing with tissue on couch

What Berries Can Dogs Eat? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Can dogs eat berries? Well, there’s no simple answer to this seemingly simple question. There are over 400 different types of known berries, and some are safe for dogs to eat, while others are only safe for human consumption. Some...

cluster of elderberry fruit

Can Dogs Eat Sardines? Vet-Verified Nutrition, Types & Preparation

Sardines or pilchards are a type of oily fish used for bait purposes or served as food. They are noticeably rich in healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and proteins. You can find them in virtually any grocery store in raw, cooked,...

Can Dogs Eat Sardines

Semi-Moist, Dry & Canned Dog Food: Vet-Reviewed Pros & Cons

The world of dog food, diets, and what to feed your dog specifically has become an ever-changing topic. With so many brands, flavors, and types these days, it has almost become a complicated and mysterious affair to unravel. Yet it...

different kinds of dry and wet pet food

Can Dogs Eat Cactus? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Dogs are curious animals, which is why you will find them nosing around the house, looking for things to eat and play with. Plants often come under dogs’ radar since many of them have a characteristic scent, and we all...

Can Dogs Eat Cactus

Can Dogs Eat Sherbet? Vet-Reviewed Health & Safety Guide

Eating a cold and refreshing bowl of sherbet on a hot summer day sounds incredibly appealing, and it’s quite likely that your dog is watching every spoonful going into your mouth. This is the point when you wonder if it...

Can Dogs Eat Sherbet

Can Dogs Eat Hush Puppies? Vet-Reviewed Facts, Risks & Alternatives

While you shouldn’t need to rush your dog to the vet if they eat a single hush puppy, that doesn’t mean dogs should eat these cornmeal snacks. There are plenty of reasons that you shouldn’t give hush puppies to your...

Can Dogs Eat Hush Puppies